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AFL draft 2022: Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams reveals draft rollercoaster before Melbourne swooped

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Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
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Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. Jed is pictured, far right, at home in Falcon with his friends Trent Symonds, Cole Agnew, Harrison Clark, Isiah Anzellino, Reef Liddington and Kade Turner as they celebrate Jed being drafted - on what was a hot day in Perth.
Camera IconPeel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. Jed is pictured, far right, at home in Falcon with his friends Trent Symonds, Cole Agnew, Harrison Clark, Isiah Anzellino, Reef Liddington and Kade Turner as they celebrate Jed being drafted - on what was a hot day in Perth. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Peel Thunder draftee Jed Adams has been likened to Steven May. Now he gets to learn from the Melbourne premiership defender every day.

The pair of left-footed key backs will join forces at the Demons, with the 2021 premiers swooping on Adams with pick 38.

“Definitely Steven May, I’m keen to learn off him,” Adams told The West Australian when asked who he’d be looking up to.

“He’s a great defender and has been dominant the last few seasons.”

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Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. He is pictured at home in Falcon with his parents Peta and Keith Adams.
Camera IconPeel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. He is pictured at home in Falcon with his parents Peta and Keith Adams. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian
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The 18-year-old admits to an emotional draft rollercoaster at his family home in Falcon, south of Mandurah, on Tuesday evening.

Adams had been strongly link to the Thunder-aligned Fremantle with pick 33 and Port Adelaide at 36, but he was feeling nervous when both clubs overlooked him.

It didn’t take long before ‘Grand Old Flag’ was pumping on repeat as Adams and his mates celebrated the news.

“I’m excited, so stoked,” Adams said.

Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. He is pictured at home in Falcon. Danella Bevis
Camera IconPeel Thunder defender Jed Adams was snapped up by the Melbourne Demons with Pick 38 in the 2022 AFL Draft. He is pictured at home in Falcon. Danella Bevis Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

“I had a call coming from Melbourne on Saturday and they asked me how I’d feel about moving interstate which gave away a little bit but I thought I might’ve gone to a different club.

“I was feeling a bit nervous because I thought I might have been going to Freo and Port, then Melbourne called me out.”

The 194cm stopper has overcome a couple of years of injury hell to emerge as a draft prospect, forcing his way into the State 18s squad before making his senior debut for Peel late in the season.

Adams impressed in his first taste of league footy before suffering a season-ending shoulder issue.

The Kalgoorlie-born tall was excited for the opportunity to try something different in Victoria.

“I told Melbourne I was keen to experience life outside of WA when I spoke with them on Saturday,” Adams said.

He’s already head from Dees premiership coach Simon Goodwin who was quick to give him a congratulatory call.

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